If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, the Denver plastic surgeons at Grossman Plastic Surgery can perform a rhinoplasty, or nose job, to improve its aesthetic appearance. Even a slight alteration to your nose can have a dramatic affect on your facial appearance, resulting in a boost in your self-confidence.

There are certain characteristics and properties that virtually all pretty noses have. Similarly, there are features that are best in a female nose while other features are best suited to a masculine one. Our doctors will discuss each of these with you at your consultation.

Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty:

• Are in good general health
• Have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure
• Are over the age of 15 or have passed puberty (their nose is fully developed)
• Do not like the current appearance of their nose

The relationship between the nose and the other facial features is extremely important. This is particularly true of the nose/chin relationship. Often, a small chin will cause the nose to appear much larger than it really is. Therefore, when appropriate, our doctors may suggest a chin implant improve the balance and shape of your face.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

There are several different ways to perform a rhinoplasty. Denver plastic surgeons Dr. John A. Grossman and Dr. Philippe A. Capraro will select the approach that is best suited to your condition. These include:

• Standard rhinoplasty – Incisions are made inside the nostrils only. The nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are then reshaped to improve the contour of your nose.
• Open or partially open rhinoplasty – One external incision is made across the columella (strut between the nostrils). Bones, cartilage, and soft tissues are then reshaped. This is an excellent option for difficult or larger noses.
• Limited rhinoplasty or tip-plasty – This procedure is an excellent option if you only want to alter the appearance of the tip of your nose.
• Nostril reduction – Nostrils are sometimes very wide and oriented horizontally instead of vertically. This can be corrected at the time of the rhinoplasty. If you would like to reduce large nostrils, we will make a tiny incision at the base of the nostrils. This can also be performed with both the standard and open methods.
• Nasal rejuvenation – Often, later middle-aged people complain that their nose seems to be “growing.” What they’re really referring to is that the nose stretches and droops over time. This issue is easily corrected with a procedure that Dr. Grossman developed years ago. In this surgery, the tip is lifted and the skin is tightened.
• Septorhinoplasty – In this procedure, the shape of your nose is improved and the breathing passages are enlarged by shaping and correcting internal elements of the nose (septum and turbinates).

Your rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia. While some surgeons may perform the procedure under local or “twilight sleep” anesthesia, Dr. Grossman and Dr. Caparao believe that general anesthesia administered by a physician anesthesiologist is the safest and most pleasant way to have the surgery.

The surgery usually takes between one and two hours depending on its complexity and is performed on an outpatient basis. At the end of surgery, our doctors will place a splint and tape dressing on your nose to protect it. The dressing will be removed in our office about one week after surgery.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro describe the healing after rhinoplasty nose surgery to be in three stages:

• Stage I (about 1 week after surgery) – You will experience swelling and bruising which will generally subside in 7-10 days. The nose is still fragile, and wearing glasses, sunglasses, and goggles should be avoided. It is alright to engage in physical activity, but you should avoid running, jogging, and contact sports.
• Stage II (6 weeks after surgery) – This is the amount of time necessary for the bones of the nose to heal solidly. After this stage, full activity, including athletics, is fine.
• Stage III (1 year after surgery) – This is the time necessary for all of the normal scar tissue that has been involved in the rhinoplasty to completely soften and feel normal.

Experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeons

Grossman Plastic Surgery has been helping individuals achieve their desired nose contour for more than 30 years. Both Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro are board certified plastic surgeons who have performed thousands of rhinoplasty procedures. Their extensive experience and sense of artistry have helped them develop a reputation for producing superior rhinoplasty results.

Please contact our Denver nose  surgeons today to schedule your initial consultation. Grossman Plastic Surgery serves patients in Denver and Littleton, Colorado.